Recycling is a cornerstone of sustainable living, but not everything can go into the blue bin. Missteps in recycling—known as “wishcycling”—can contaminate batches, increase costs, and send more waste to landfills. Here’s a list of 20 common items that are not recyclable through standard curbside programs, along with why they’re problematic and what to do instead.

Why It Matters:

Throwing non-recyclables into the bin doesn’t just waste effort—it can spoil entire loads. For instance, a single greasy pizza box can render a batch of cardboard unusable. Most facilities rely on automated sorting, so items that don’t fit the system—like small plastics or hazardous materials—end up as trash anyway.

1. Plastic Bags

  • Why? They tangle machinery at recycling facilities.
  • Instead: Take them to grocery store drop-offs for specialized recycling.

2. Greasy Pizza Boxes

  • Why? Food residue contaminates paper fibers.
  • Instead: Compost the soiled parts; recycle clean sections.

3. Styrofoam (Polystyrene)

  • Why? It’s lightweight, brittle, and hard to process profitably.
  • Instead: Check for local drop-off programs or toss it.

4. Bubble Wrap

  • Why? It’s a low-grade plastic not accepted curbside.
  • Instead: Reuse for shipping or find a store drop-off.

5. Drinking Straws

  • Why? Too small and flexible for sorting machines.
  • Instead: Switch to reusable straws.

6. Disposable Coffee Cups

  • Why? Plastic linings make them non-recyclable with paper.
  • Instead: Use a reusable mug.

7. Chip Bags

  • Why? Mixed materials (plastic and foil) can’t be separated.
  • Instead: Look into TerraCycle programs.

8. Broken Glassware

  • Why? Different melting points than bottle glass.
  • Instead: Wrap and discard safely in trash.

9. Ceramics

  • Why? They don’t melt like recyclable glass.
  • Instead: Donate usable items; trash the rest.

10. Receipts

  • Why? Thermal paper often contains BPA, a contaminant.
  • Instead: Toss them or go digital.

11. Plastic Cutlery

  • Why? Low-quality plastic isn’t cost-effective to recycle.
  • Instead: Opt for reusable utensils.

12. Aerosol Cans with Liquid

  • Why? Pressurized contents pose a hazard.
  • Instead: Empty fully, then check local rules—some accept them.

13. Batteries

  • Why? They’re hazardous waste, not curbside material.
  • Instead: Use designated drop-offs at stores or recycling centers.

14. Clothes Hangers

  • Why? Mixed plastics or metal-plastic combos confuse sorting.
  • Instead: Donate or return to dry cleaners.

15. Shredded Paper

  • Why? Too small for standard processing; it clogs machines.
  • Instead: Compost or check for special collection.

16. Wet Paper

  • Why? Moisture weakens fibers, making it unusable.
  • Instead: Dry it out if possible; otherwise, compost.

17. Diapers

  • Why? Contaminated with organic waste.
  • Instead: Landfill only—composting isn’t an option.

18. Toothpaste Tubes

  • Why? Mixed materials and residue complicate recycling.
  • Instead: Look for mail-in programs like Colgate’s.

19. Mirrors

  • Why? Coated glass doesn’t recycle with bottles.
  • Instead: Donate if intact; trash if broken.

20. Food-Soiled Foil

Instead: Clean foil can often be recycled—check locally.

Why? Grease and scraps ruin the metal’s purity.